Science
Will County, IL Weekend Events: 13 Free Nature Programs Nov. 12-15
JOLIET, IL — Families across Will County can enjoy a packed lineup of free outdoor activities Nov. 12 15, including twilight hikes, wildlife encounters, pumpkin smashing and campfire cooking at forest
By Mara Ellison · 2026-10-20T19:38:38.604Z
JOLIET, IL — Families across Will County can enjoy a packed lineup of free outdoor activities Nov. 12 15, including twilight hikes, wildlife encounters, pumpkin smashing and campfire cooking at forest preserves throughout the southwest Chicago suburbs.
According to the Forest Preserve District of Will County, 13 free programs are scheduled across communities including Channahon, Plainfield, Crest Hill, Bolingbrook, Romeoville, Shorewood and Crete Township. Most activities require advance registration, while several welcome walk in participants.
Free Outdoor Adventures Begin Thursday On Thursday, Nov. 12, Four Rivers Environmental Education Center in Channahon will host two homeschool programs from 10 11:30 a.m., followed by a Twilight Trek from 4 5:30 p.m. Participants will explore wildlife activity as daylight fades.
A Golden Hour Hike follows Friday, Nov. 13, from 3:30 5 p.m. at Prairie Bluff Preserve in Crest Hill.
Saturday, Nov. 14, features several activities, including a migratory bird hike at Lake Renwick in Plainfield, a squirrel focused nature walk in Channahon and a hibernation hike in Bolingbrook.
Pumpkin Smash Highlights Saturday Activities One of the weekend's family friendly attractions is Pumpkin Smash, scheduled from noon 4 p.m. Saturday at Plum Creek Nature Center in Crete Township.
Visitors can smash leftover Halloween pumpkins for composting while enjoying free campfire roasted hot dogs and marshmallows. No registration is required.
Other Saturday offerings include a storytelling workshop in Romeoville and a Fall Frolic walk at Lake Chaminwood Preserve.
Sunday, Nov. 15, brings a Trail Club walk at Hammel Woods in Shorewood, Breakfast With the Birds at Four Rivers and a campfire cooking workshop.
All listed programs are free, although age restrictions, registration deadlines and trail conditions vary.
Residents can review program details and register through the district's online event calendar at ReconnectWithNature.org .